Larry--at Somerset Place Plantation in NC I excavated an outdoor hearth, and
it didn't look anything like that--it was more like a classic barbecue
pit/groundhog kiln in appearance. One just like it is shown associated with
molassess processing at Millwood (Orser). Also, they have a smokehouse at
Somerset that doesn't look anything at all like what you are describing.
Could it be a Cotton Press or something like that? Good luck! Carl Steen